Rasuwa District Customs Office: Revenue Collection of NPR 6.42 Billion in 9 Months

In the northern border of Rasuwa district, goods worth approximately NPR 31.30 billion were imported within the past nine months of the fiscal year. According to Tulsiprasad Bhattarai, the chief customs officer at the Rasuwa Customs Office in Timure, the revenue collection amounted to NPR 6.42 billion during this period, derived from the valuation of imported goods. He highlighted the operational challenges posed by harsh geographical conditions and periodic natural disruptions affecting trade activities through the border. The imported goods through the border include raw materials for textile manufacturing, electric vehicles, hydroelectric and infrastructure development construction materials, apples, garlic, industrial raw materials, machinery for industries and mills, and equipment for the 'Fast Track' project constructed by the Nepali Army. Additionally, exports totaling around NPR 65 million included handloom products, traditional Nepali clothing, bamboo products, dried cordyceps harvested in the Tibetan region, noodles, and biscuits. Despite limited production capacity, the Rasuwa Customs Office noted an expanding trend in the export of Nepali goods. The devastating floods that washed away the Miteri Bridge in Larche Khola on July 24 severely impacted trade operations for a period. With the completion of bridge reconstruction, regular import-export operations resumed from December 17, facilitating trade continuity. The historical trade relations between Nepal and Tibet have seen commercial expansion following the matrimonial relationship between the Briddim and Shingcahn villages. This historical trade route has evolved into a modern form, establishing Rasuwa as a key northern commercial gateway for Nepal. After receiving full recognition from the Chinese government on December 15, 2072, the commercial activities in Rasuwa saw a significant increase due to the short distance, easy access, and international trade opportunities, attracting many businesses to the area. Gosainkunda Rural Municipality-2 ward chairman Kamichirring Tamang highlighted the accessibility of Rasuwa as the most convenient northern trade route in Nepal, encouraging increased utilization of this border. The small-sized road infrastructure in the Rasuwa district is continuously affected by floods, landslides, and road improvement works, impacting business activities. Business owners have requested simultaneous operation of road maintenance and trade to avoid complete road closures and ensure business operations. The impact of floods has necessitated constant inspection of goods in the Bhansar yard, located near Baluwa Khola. Employees face challenging working conditions due to insufficient infrastructure, lack of secure buildings, and unfavorable working environments, making service delivery difficult for them.